T. Furth Center for Performing Arts

Trine receives $3 million in gifts for performing arts center

 

 

ANGOLA, Ind. – A community dream is $3 million closer to becoming a reality. 

Since January, Trine University has received $3 million in new gifts and commitments for the restoration and renovation of T. Furth Center for Performing Arts, which will create an artistic venue, not only for students, but for the city of Angola and northeast Indiana.

Three contributors are playing new leading roles in the fundraising efforts. Tri-State College 1954 mechanical engineering graduate and board member Tomas Furth, the center’s namesake, Tri-State College 1966 accounting graduate Cliff Ryan and his wife, Sig, the namesakes of what will become Ryan Concert Hall, and an anonymous donor have all given significant leading gifts in addition to their previous commitments. The Steuben County Community Foundation also made a generous gift toward the project.

“We are thrilled with these gifts and appreciate the generosity of our donors that allow us to move ahead with transforming this community treasure, the old Angola Christian Church, into a performing arts facility that will be second to none in our region,” said Trine president Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D.

The Furth project began in 2006, when Trine University officials and trustees and local leaders saw the need for a performing arts center. A comprehensive community needs assessment, which was completed in 2006, confirmed that opportunities for creating, appreciating and interacting with the arts were absent from northeast Indiana, limiting opportunities for students, youth and families. Trustees and honorary doctorate recipients Ralph and Sheri Trine stepped forward to acquire the facility for the university and provide the opportunity for this dream to become a reality.

“These additional gifts allow the university to forge ahead with completion of Ryan Concert Hall, which will become an icon for the city of Angola and our community for years to come,” Brooks said. “We also will advance our plans for the second phase, which includes the addition to the facility and enhancements to classrooms, practice rooms and offices.”

Trine officials do not have an anticipated opening for the Ryan Concert Hall, as additional funds still are required to complete the entire project. To learn more about the project, contact Trine’s office of alumni and development at (260) 665-4114. To play an integral role in the renovation and restoration of this historic treasure, make a gift online today at www.trine.edu/give.

 

 

To share your news, contact Trine University communication specialist Lindsay Winslow Brown at winslowbrownl@trine.edu.